11:22 29-04-2026

Russia Developed S-71K Cruise Missile

Russia developed S-71K «Kover» cruise missile with 300 km range and inertial guidance, adaptable for Su-57, Su-34, Su-35 and UAV platforms.

Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter has received a new weapon — the S-71K «Kover» cruise missile equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, this munition is already being used by Russian Aerospace Forces in the SMO zone.

The Ukrainian side bases its assessment on the analysis of recovered missile fragments. It claims the fuselage is made of fiberglass, while many internal components use aluminum alloys. The design, including a trapezoidal cross-section, is said to reduce radar visibility.

The missile features folding swept wings, allowing it to be carried both externally and inside the internal weapons bay of aircraft such as the Su-57, lowering the carrier’s detectability. It is powered by a compact R500 turbojet engine, with a reported range of up to 300 km when equipped with additional fuel tanks.

Its guidance system is inertial and does not rely on external signals, making it resistant to electronic warfare, but limiting it to pre-designated targets. A key feature is the use of the OFAB-250-270 aerial bomb, developed during the Cold War, as its warhead. This munition is designed to strike lightly protected targets, including infrastructure, depots, airfields, and personnel, delivering a powerful fragmentation effect.

This effectively turns an older bomb into a modern cruise missile, enabling strikes without entering enemy air defense zones.

In addition to the S-71K, reports mention the S-71M «Monochrom» — a loitering munition equipped with a neural network-based guidance system. It is capable of autonomously detecting, identifying, and engaging both stationary and moving targets.

The key difference between the variants lies in their guidance systems, while both can use similar warheads. The S-71 family continues the concept behind UMPK kits, which convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions with ranges of 50–100 km.

Such systems are designed for simplicity, scalability, and mass production, allowing them to overwhelm air defenses. The S-71 is believed to be compatible not only with the Su-57 but also with aircraft such as the Su-34, Su-35, and Su-30, and potentially with the S-70 Okhotnik heavy strike UAV.

Overall, the system represents a combination of legacy warheads and modern technology. A similar approach is seen in the US with JDAM-based systems, including extended-range variants that add wings and propulsion to conventional bombs.